#wisterplayground

Many wonderful things are happening at Wister Playground in Philadelphia! On August 24, 2016, Mayor Jim Kenney signed a bill for all future playgrounds to be inclusive of those with disabilities and limits. This occasion was celebrated at Wister Playground with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell and Councilwoman Cindy Bass. 

Since then, many groups (mentioned below) have made contributions to edit the multipurpose one-room interior of the building. Thanks to local stakeholders, students of the community are able to have their own mini library, complete their homework assignments, attend dance class, and have a comfortable and safe space to go. Supervisor Jameele Mitchell is a wonderful leader who has added over 10 thriving programs to the center since her arrival last fall. This is what a collaboration of many groups looks like!

Project partners:

Councilwoman Cindy Bass (playground)

Community Design Collaborative (mini library, books)

Mural Arts Philadelphia (outdoor mural)

Philadelphia Parks Alliance (new flooring)

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (interior space design, doors, bathrooms, accessories, and Performo support)

PowerCorps PHL (carpentry, painting)

Tree House Books (take home libraries)

Wister Playground Advisory council (furniture)

Today Mayor Jim Kenney was joined by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell, Councilwoman Cindy Bass (8th District) and City of Philadelphia Managing Director Michael BiDerardinis at Wister Playground in the Germantown section as he signed the 'Inclusive Parks and Playgrounds' bill into law. Created by Councilwoman Bass, the legislation ensures all parks or playgrounds managed by the City, especially those that will be re-designed or renovated in the future, are inclusive, inter-generational and family-friendly. 

“This bill could not have come at a better time,” said Mayor Kenney. “Very soon, we’ll be investing $300 million in parks and recreation centers across the City, thanks to Rebuild and the sweetened beverage tax. This bill will help to ensure that investment creates parks and recreation facilities that are accessible for all.”

The Inclusive Parks and Playgrounds law requires that any park undergoing renovations must include play areas for children with special needs. This includes children with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, who are deaf or hard of hearing and/or blind or have low hearing or vision, and children in wheelchairs.

“Nothing is more rewarding than ensuring our parks and recreation centers are accessible to all Philadelphians,” said Commissioner Ott Lovell. “Wister is a great example of how every park in the City should be. Every neighborhood and every person deserves a fun and safe place to engage in physical and social opportunities.”

In addition to accommodating children with special needs, the bill also requires that new and refurbished parks have fitness equipment for adults of varying fitness levels, including adults with various disabilities.